UN Adopts Landmark Political Declaration to Tackle NCDs and Mental Health Together.
New York:
Leaders from across the world at the Eightieth United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) have adopted a landmark political declaration aimed at combating noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) and addressing mental health challenges through a fully integrated approach. The declaration was adopted following intergovernmental negotiations and was considered at the fourth High-Level Meeting of the UNGA on the prevention and control of NCDs and the promotion of mental health and well-being, held on 25 September 2025.
Titled “Equity and integration: transforming lives and livelihoods through leadership and action on noncommunicable diseases and the promotion of mental health and well-being,” the declaration is the first of its kind to address NCDs and mental health together. It marks a significant milestone in global health governance and provides a unique opportunity to accelerate progress through clearly defined and measurable global targets to be achieved by 2030.
Noncommunicable diseases—such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes and chronic respiratory diseases—are the world’s leading causes of death, claiming nearly 18 million premature lives every year. At the same time, mental health conditions affect more than one billion people globally. Both are rising in every country and across all communities, driven largely by preventable risk factors including unhealthy diets, tobacco use, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity and air pollution. These risk factors not only harm physical health but also significantly affect mental well-being, making NCDs and mental health critical issues for public health, productivity and sustainable economic growth.
First-ever global fast-track targets for 2030
In a major departure from previous commitments, the new political declaration establishes three first-ever global “fast-track” outcome targets to be achieved by 2030. These include reducing the number of tobacco users worldwide by 150 million, ensuring that 150 million more people have their hypertension under control, and expanding access to mental health care for an additional 150 million people.
To support countries in achieving these outcomes, the declaration also sets ambitious and measurable process targets for national health systems by 2030. These include having at least 80 per cent of countries with appropriate policy, legislative, regulatory and fiscal measures in place; ensuring that 80 per cent of primary health care facilities have access to affordable, WHO-recommended essential medicines and basic technologies for NCDs and mental health; and ensuring that at least 60 per cent of countries implement financial protection measures to cover or limit the cost of essential NCD and mental health services.
In addition, the declaration calls for at least 80 per cent of countries to have operational, multisectoral national plans for NCDs and mental health, as well as robust surveillance and monitoring systems to track progress and outcomes.
Welcoming the adoption of the declaration, World Health Organization Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the bold targets reflect a strong commitment by Member States to protect public health. “Together, we can change the trajectory of NCDs and mental health, and deliver health, well-being and opportunity for all,” he said.
Broadest scope and strongest commitments to date
The new political declaration is the most comprehensive yet, integrating lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic and responding to emerging global challenges. For the first time, it explicitly includes a broader range of NCD-related conditions such as oral health, lung health, childhood cancer, liver disease, kidney disease and rare diseases.
It also expands the focus on environmental and social determinants of health, including air pollution, clean cooking, lead exposure and hazardous chemicals. Addressing emerging risks, the declaration recognises the growing impact of digital harms, including excessive screen time, harmful online content, social media exposure, and the spread of mis- and disinformation.
The declaration strengthens regulatory commitments on e-cigarettes and novel tobacco products, unhealthy food marketing to children, front-of-pack food labelling, and the elimination of industrially produced trans fats. Equity is placed at the heart of the response, with specific attention to people living with NCDs and mental health conditions, climate-vulnerable populations, Small Island Developing States, and people affected by humanitarian crises.
Financing and a whole-of-society response
Acknowledging the challenging global economic environment and growing pressure on health budgets, the declaration contains stronger language on financing than previous agreements. It urges countries to ensure adequate, predictable and sustained funding through increased domestic investment, stronger international partnerships and coordinated multilateral efforts.
Importantly, the declaration positions NCDs and mental health not only as health issues but as central pillars of sustainable development and social justice. It calls for a “whole-of-government” and “whole-of-society” approach, involving civil society, youth, persons with disabilities, people with lived experience, and a wide range of partners beyond the health sector.
Accountability and the road ahead
Building on three previous UN political declarations, the new agreement charts a renewed and more ambitious course towards a healthier, more equitable and prosperous future. It emphasises the need for strong accountability mechanisms to ensure that commitments translate into real-world impact.
The UN Secretary-General will report on global progress towards the 2030 targets ahead of the next High-Level Meeting, while the WHO and other UN agencies will support Member States in turning these historic commitments into concrete national action. The declaration sets the foundation for sustained global accountability and action on NCDs and mental health through 2030 and beyond.
